17-04-2012, 06:37 PM
The level of misinformation is rampant here. Androgenic hormones are not equivalent and interchangeable. DHT is a more potent androgen than testosterone, that the body creates from testosterone via the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Higher levels DHT are thought to be partially responsible for pattern baldness in both men and women and hirsutism in women. It does the same thing in men (causes facial hair growth) but it's not considered a problem in men!
Testosterone is responsible for muscle mass, libido and helping maintain bone density in both men and women. DHT, a much stronger androgen is responsible for most of the other traits we consider masculine: body odor, body hair, masculine genital development and the like. DHT has pretty much NO effective anabolic effects on muscle; that comes from testosterone.
Some anti-androgens inhibit the 5-alpha reductase pathway, some reduce testosterone production and some interfere with androgenic effects at the receptor level. Those that interfere with the 5-alpha reductase pathway will reduce body hair growth, help with pattern baldness, and reduce excess acne (via a reduction in sebaceous gland size which is affected by DHT). Those that interfere with testosterone production will also cause a reduction in muscle mass, libido and potentially have an effect on bone density in addition to the effects previously noted.
Anti-androgens do NOT affect estrogen, estrogen production, or the ability of estrogen receptors to respond to estrogen. They just don't work that way.
PM is a complex phytoestrogen that also contains anti-androgenic compounds and it is not NECESSARY to take an anti-androgen along with it, for men or women. For some, PM may work better with an anti-androgen, but it is not necessary.
On one final note, I would be extremely cautious about reducing your protein intake to the point of catabolism. Protein catabolism is an aberrant state, and indicates either an underlying pathology or malnutrition/starvation. It is also extremely stressful on the kidneys which help maintain nitrogen balance in your body. See this link for info on muscle wasting and proteolysis and make up your own mind; http://www.asas.org/symposia/esupp2/jas2080.pdf
Hope this helps.
Testosterone is responsible for muscle mass, libido and helping maintain bone density in both men and women. DHT, a much stronger androgen is responsible for most of the other traits we consider masculine: body odor, body hair, masculine genital development and the like. DHT has pretty much NO effective anabolic effects on muscle; that comes from testosterone.
Some anti-androgens inhibit the 5-alpha reductase pathway, some reduce testosterone production and some interfere with androgenic effects at the receptor level. Those that interfere with the 5-alpha reductase pathway will reduce body hair growth, help with pattern baldness, and reduce excess acne (via a reduction in sebaceous gland size which is affected by DHT). Those that interfere with testosterone production will also cause a reduction in muscle mass, libido and potentially have an effect on bone density in addition to the effects previously noted.
Anti-androgens do NOT affect estrogen, estrogen production, or the ability of estrogen receptors to respond to estrogen. They just don't work that way.
PM is a complex phytoestrogen that also contains anti-androgenic compounds and it is not NECESSARY to take an anti-androgen along with it, for men or women. For some, PM may work better with an anti-androgen, but it is not necessary.
On one final note, I would be extremely cautious about reducing your protein intake to the point of catabolism. Protein catabolism is an aberrant state, and indicates either an underlying pathology or malnutrition/starvation. It is also extremely stressful on the kidneys which help maintain nitrogen balance in your body. See this link for info on muscle wasting and proteolysis and make up your own mind; http://www.asas.org/symposia/esupp2/jas2080.pdf
Hope this helps.